PM Modi to inaugurate Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat: All you need to know
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a monumental addition to India's railway infrastructure on June 6, 2025—the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra to Srinagar. This launch marks a major milestone in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project, aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national railway grid.The USBRL project includes engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge.advertisementPrime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X
"Tomorrow, 6 June, is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated, which will have a very positive impact on people's lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India's first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all-weather connectivity, and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities."TWO DAILY VANDA BHARAT TRAINS TO RUN BETWEEN KATRA AND SRINAGARadvertisementThe Indian Railways have announced that two pairs of Vande Bharat trains will run daily, making four trips in total between Katra and Srinagar. These will commence commercial operations from June 7, 2025, with bookings already open on the IRCTC platform.TRAIN NUMBERS, TIMINGS, AND WEEKLY SCHEDULEHere are the full operational detailsTrain 26401: Departs Katra at 8:10 am, reaches Srinagar at 11:08 amTrain 26402: Departs Srinagar at 2:00 pm, arrives Katra at 4:58 pmThis pair will not operate on TuesdaysTrain 26403: Departs Katra at 2:55 pm, reaches Srinagar at 5:53 pmTrain 26404: Returns next day at 8:00 am from Srinagar, arrives in Katra at 10:58 amThis pair will not operate on WednesdaysTICKET PRICES FOR DIFFERENT CLASSESThe Vande Bharat Express on this route offers two classes:Chair Car (CC): Rs 715Executive Class (EC): Rs 1320These fares are inclusive of base ticket costs and other charges such as reservation and catering. Tickets can be booked online via the IRCTC website.STATE-OF-THE-ART FEATURES FOR EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONSDesigned with anti-freezing technology, the train can function smoothly even in sub-zero winter temperatures common in Kashmir. Key features include:Heating systems in coachesBio-toilets with insulation360-degree rotating seats in the executive classadvertisementMobile charging points at each seatVegetarian meals featuring local Kashmiri cuisineBOOST TO TOURISM AND PILGRIMAGE IN JAMMU & KASHMIRThe new rail route is expected to significantly enhance religious tourism, offering easier access to destinations like:Kheer Bhawani TempleMartand Sun TempleAmarnath Yatra Base CampsThis development aims to strengthen local economies while improving travel convenience for both pilgrims and tourists.ENGINEERING MARVELS: CHENAB AND ANJI KHAD BRIDGES INAUGURATEDPM Modi will also inaugurate the Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 359 meters above the river, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. Both are part of the USBRL project and stand as examples of cutting-edge engineering in challenging terrain.The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat service is more than just a train launch—it's a symbol of connectivity, development, and national integration. With world-class comfort, fast travel time, and improved access to remote areas, this initiative is set to redefine travel to and within Kashmir.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Bring sponsors, perpetrators & financiers of terror to justice'
NEW DELHI: The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue saw the two sides stressing that perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice, while also unequivocally condemning the Pahalgam attack. In a joint statement, they underlined the need to strengthen UN-led global counterterrorism cooperation and fully implement the relevant UNSC resolutions, Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and FATF standards. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan called on PM Narendra Modi after the Dialogue that saw focus on issues related to connectivity, trade, investment and counterterrorism. "India deeply cherishes its historical ties with the countries of Central Asia. Look forward to working together to further deepen our cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, fintech, food security and health for mutual progress and prosperity,"Modi said in a post on X, adding both sides stood firm and resolute in their collective fight against terrorism. A joint statement said that the ministers unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
UP CM adviser holds talks with Goswami community over Banke Bihari Corridor
Agra: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's adviser Awanish Kumar Awasthi on Friday, chaired a meeting at the tourist facilitation centre in Vrindavan, to discuss issues related to the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor with members of the Goswami community involved in the management of the temple, local shopkeepers and residents. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Awasthi said the proposed project aims to enhance facilities for pilgrims, and efficiently manage the increasing pilgrim footfall in the Mathura-Vrindavan area. "The number of pilgrims visiting the area is rising exponentially. Today's meeting focused on how to effectively cater to this surge while ensuring public confidence and participation in the planning process. This was the first round of discussions, and it was very productive," he said. On concerns raised by the Goswami community regarding the project, Awasthi said several suggestions had been put forth during the meeting. "The district magistrate and other officials will carefully evaluate these inputs. The state govt aims to proceed with the most inclusive and best possible option to take the project forward," Awasthi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Established in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, the Shri Banke Bihari temple is administered by Shebaits — a hereditary priesthood responsible for daily rituals and temple management. It remains one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The Supreme Court's May 15 verdict came amid ongoing protests by members of the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and the formation of Banke Bihari Temple Trust. The court's decision, delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, cleared the way for the govt to move ahead with its Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan, which includes acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine, using temple funds. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, left two dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety. While officials claim stakeholders were consulted, Shebaits and local residents have alleged they were excluded from the planning process. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
To battle floods, Bengal govt to start Teesta dredging soon
1 2 3 Jalpaiguri: With the bed of the Teesta rising around two metres following the 2023 Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim, Bengal govt has decided to dredge and desilt the river. The GLOF at North Sikkim's South Lhonak Lake in Oct 2023 had significantly impacted the Teesta riverbed with massive silt deposit. Experts fear that if the river is not desilted immediately, a heavy downpour in the upper catchment areas might spell doom for the areas the Teesta flows through. The rising river has already washed away two villages — Laltong and Chamakdangi — in Jalpaiguri's Rajganj block. At least 200 families from the two villages have been relocated to Kholachand Fapri. Bengal govt has decided to engage West Bengal Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (WBMDTCL) and the irrigation department to desilt some 30 spots on the Teesta from Sevoke railway bridge to Maynaguri's Bakali, across 50 km. "It would be a no-cost-effect dredging and the state will gain revenue by selling the sand and riverbed material," said irrigation minister Manas Bhunia in Jalpaiguri on Thursday after a meeting with departments concerned. A survey by the irrigation department estimates that it would cost about Rs 567 crore to desilt the Teesta if private agencies are involved. "Centre has not given a single penny since 2016 for desilting or bund repairing. This year, Centre has allocated only Rs 412 crore for the entire country's flood management. We, therefore, have decided to desilt Teesta on our own," Bhunia said. The minister also advocated for an India-Bhutan river commission. "There are 76 rivers originating from Bhutan which spell catastrophe for the Dooars every monsoon. They bring along dolomite, raising riverbeds by 4-5 feet. A joint river commission is the need of the hour but Centre is paying no heed to our appeals," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
